A Story in Pictures: The Humanization of Arab Americans Through Photography
By: Yaara Aleissa / Arab American Contributing Writer
Photography as a tool For empathy
As emotionally intelligent human beings the ability to empathize with one another is essential to treat each other in a manner that is equitable and understanding. Words and stories portray one side but may leave out details that provide the full context. Instead, we turn to photography. Where single moments, captured in an individual’s life, can be interpreted for a deeper meaning. Other times best understood simply as is. Regardless, it provides a sense of self-other than one’s own.
Photography has played an essential role in the humanization of Arab Americans. Following the tragic events of 9/11, the negative perception of Arab Americans and Muslims increased. Alongside this, many Arabs were stereotyped as Muslims and vice versa. Separating the individuality that distinguishes the diversity of the two groups. However, the use of media has played an essential role in depicting the true image of Arab Americans.
The following photos are collected from the University of Chicago Middle East Photograph Archive, the New York University Abu Dubai Photography Archive, and the organization Middle East Archive. The photographs showcased traces of the heritages of many Arab Americans. It tells a story of what defines the home they come from alongside the obstacles they’ve overcome. For many still living in the region, it may tell the present-day story of both, struggle and beauty.
University of Chicago: Middle East Archive
The University of Chicago, “Middle East” archive collected over 400 photographic prints dating from the second half of the nineteenth century. The archive grew in Cairo, Egypt launching itself across the region as photography techniques evolved. These photographs were launched on the University of Chicago’s website in 1996. Then converted to color in 2014.
NYU: A Gulf of Images & Markazi
The Akkasah photography archive at New York University Abu Dubai has dedicated itself to preserving the rich history and practices of the Middle East and North America with over 33,000 photographs. The photos are a collection of prints and negatives. Each photograph lives in its designated album based on the region in which the shoot took place.
Middle East Archive
The Middle East Archive highlights the everyday memories that take place in the MENA region. The organization has published many books the most recent being An Archive of Love. The photographers each foster a diversity of styles and perspectives. Through this, the Archive has been able to restore discussion of various subject matters. This allows users to easily interact and enjoy the content produced.
A snowy day filled with fun in Amman, Jordan (1984) as the family relishes in the playful joys the winter cold provides. 
In the busy streets of Isfahan, Iran (1993) filled with color and lights that keep the city alive at night as families pass by. 
A summer’s day in the farm fields in Gaza, Palestine as the donkey grazes the crops the young boy lays on the back of the animal, soaking in the sun. 
Morocco recently marked history with their world cup winnings and yet the historical role that soccer has had on the nation trails back to the 1998 King Hassan II International Cup played in Casablanca. 
Peaking through the trees in Tripoli, Libya (2000) women gather around in laughter and stories enjoying a picnic filled with afternoon tea and tasteful snacks. 
A girl’s soccer team in Tehran, Iran as they compete in a friendly game during their school recess time. 
As a part of the book “An Archive of Love” showcasing a couple in Beirut, Lebanon (1983) a Muslim groom Abid and his Christian wife Arige. This same photo was one they presented helping them obtain a visa to escape the worn-torn regions of Lebanon.
Conclusion
As mass media progresses photography will continue to grow as a tool for presenting a voice to the voiceless. In addition to this outlet, it does not require humans to be the only subject. Those that wish to remain anonymous can capture the environment they live in to tell the story for them. There are many manners in which photographers and individual subjects can choose to present themselves.
It is something very important to consider. Especially when many of the photographs presented in news media showcase the tragedies of the Middle East. While that is important above all to remember we need to see them beyond just that label of tragedy. To see the whole human with a livelihood ranging with all sorts of activities. This allows us to not only empathize but see a country and its people for more than it may seem.
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